My Mama Kat prompt this week is: List the top 10 things you miss about being alone. (Inspired by The Little Hen House).
When I was a child and our family visited amusement parks, I recall my parents allowing me to wander off on my own for hours at a time. I was happy as a clam. I still can't figure out why my overprotective parents let me do this (or why they didn't have me bring a friend), but I was happy. An entire park to explore, no one to haggle with over which ride to do first, lots of time to just observe.
When I am alone, I am free from being the official in between two young human beings who treat every verbal exchange as if it were a jump ball to be contested.
I miss being able to concentrate ..... on a book, a movie, on the task at hand.
I miss sleeping whenever and wherever I want.
I miss being able to decide exactly where and when I want to take pit stops on road trips.
I miss organizing things my way (even if my way doesn't look organized).
I miss living by myself in a big city, having to get from point A to point B but being able to do it at my pace, with the detours I want to take.
I miss eating for one (while reading a book). Something quick and healthy, but a meal that doesn't involve a production to make so I am not eating late and can get on with my night's plans.
I miss the fact that it's cheaper to pay for one person's admission into anything than it is to pay for two, three, or four people.
I miss having control of the remote.
I miss the fact that when I am alone, my mind can wander to what I appreciate and value most in life ......... the people who keep me from being alone.
November 2008
